U-Turn Q&A, Tips and Tricks

**zmlam** · 2nd February 2012, 08:02

Same as what has been said - though for me I need to emphasis where I look. Tendency is to look directly down at the road, but I have to force myself to look where I want to turn. Same as how you probably got through ur BHS figure 8s, look through the corner. Something I failed many a times initially coming from push bike habits.

Also was told in BHS that sometimes turning is easier in 2nd gear as first gear can be jerky due to its sensitivity. Have tried it several times in 2nd gear and i barely need to give it any gas, it certainly IS easier for me in 2nd gear.

But do share how you got along - be good to see what other techniques there are!

**MSTRS:Me** · 2nd February 2012, 08:20

Using second gear is a good point...it forces you to ride the clutch more. Which is what you need to do to avoid any jerkiness which unsettles bike and rider.
'Best' technique? Turn your head to look over your right shoulder (U turn will be to the right) because you should look where you are going and you will go where you are looking. Revs depend on bike, enough to avoid stalling. Slip the clutch. Start moving BEFORE you turn the bars. Both feet up. Slight pressure on rear brake. Then because you are looking hard right, round you go...

**Swoop** · 2nd February 2012, 08:20

Saw the thread title and thought "must be about police U-turn skills" or more specifically, the lack of.

**Gianz** · 2nd February 2012, 08:26

riding 2 years and not able to do a U-turn?
buy a car.

**MSTRS:Me** · 2nd February 2012, 08:30

Originally Posted by Gianz

riding 2 years and not able to do a U-turn?
buy a car.

You'd be amazed at how many 'experienced' riders are out there that can't. It's not always tested...

**wingnutt** · 2nd February 2012, 09:20

Yep, look to where you want to go and the bike will follow.

1. Let the clutch out to just where it starts move away hold the clutch here, this is the friction zone.

2. Use a small amount of throttle, and use the back brake only to control your speed.

3. As the bike starts to move away, snap your head around, and look back to the lane you want to be in, and the bike will come around smoothly to where you want to be.

**GrayWolf** · 2nd February 2012, 09:31

[QUOTE=george formby;1130248237, she has been nailed now & is getting tighter & tighter

[/QUOTE]

There fixed it for Ya

**GrayWolf** · 2nd February 2012, 09:35

Originally Posted by MSTRS

You'd be amazed at how many 'experienced' riders are out there that can't. It's not always tested...

Very true,
I had done the cones, figure 8 etc mooooons ago, then went to my partners BHS and had a crack at the cones on one of the course GN's,,, bloody hades, I'd forgotten the 'finer points' of doing it. Clutch, throttle, rear brake etc were good, just the mechanics of cone weaving were 'dormant'

**FLY** · 2nd February 2012, 10:57

..maybe better for ya..

**george formby** · 2nd February 2012, 11:27

Originally Posted by GrayWolf

There fixed it for Ya

Must be more careful with my choice of words. Mind you, training of any kind has it's benefits. Phnarr Phnarr.

My GF's issues were confidence in the bike, head turning & object fixation (the kerb). She proved to herself you do go were you look, over the kerb...

**Usarka** · 2nd February 2012, 12:57

Originally Posted by rapid van cleef

In the UK you are taught the following method.

1st gear, let the clutch out until biting point with enough revs to pull away in a firm but not aggresive manner. hold the clutch stil, so its not all the way out. use the rear brake to control the speed, not the front brake. so the throttle and clutch stay constant.

+ head check, indicate, check again, look where you want to go.

The facist tested me with a u-turn on a narrow hill and aced it thanks to this method.